EDC board discuss plans for Cooper Tire and Industrial Park

ALBANY, GA (WALB) - Wednesday morning officials on the Economic Development Board discussed plans for the upcoming construction of the Albany-Dougherty County Industrial Park. EDC officials say they recieved a permit to commence construction and are preparing to put out bids for the construction of the entryway. Bids should be out on the street in the next 30 days.

The EDC board met also with Cooper Tire officials to discuss how the building will be marketed. With the help of Georgia Power, a 3-D model of the interior of the building will help show prospective clients its capabilities.

The building is 2.2 million square feet and, according to EDC officials, has very unique capabilties. Officials are trying to find out exactly what those capabilites are and find the best prospects for the building.

The board also re-elected Robert Mckinney to serve another year as Chairman. Chris Hatcher was appointed Secretary and Don Barfield was elected Treasurer.

It's been in the planning phases for nearly 4 years and Wednesday Economic Development president Ted Clem announced exciting news about the new Albany-Dougherty County Industrial Park.

A permit has been issued and now construction can begin.

"We've of course acquired the land have had all the studies performed had all the engineering and now we are moving into the permitting process and that is being finalized," said Barbara Rivera Holmes.

"Were preparing to bid packages now for the construction of the entry way they should be out on the street in the next 30 days," said Ted Clem.

The park sits on 224 acres of land and officials say the location alone is enticing to potential prospects.

It's on Highway 82 east right next to the Cooper Tire building, and not far from MCLB Albany.

"It sits on the new military zone designation which means there are enhanced job tax credits within the zone that that park sits on already albany dougherty county is a tier one community so already we received the most available job tax credits but with that specific designation its enhanced," said Barbara.

Once construction is complete, this will be the third Industrial Park for Dougherty County bringing many new jobs to the area.

"Anything can really move into the industrial park it can be manufacturing it can be food processing it can be distribution and what it does is it allows a company to come into a shovel ready site where they can look at it and set up shop," said Barbara.

EDC board members say the ultimate goal is to get the site shovel ready.